James Coulson Classic Laxey Fell Race
Ard Ratch-slieau Laksey
Information
| Distance | 8.5 miles |
| Ascent | 2200ft |
| Category | A/Medium |
| Start | Glen Roy Farm (GR407 837) |
| Details | The organisers reserve the right to change any part of the course and their decision on any matter concerning the race is final. Minimum age of entry is 18 years on day of race, entry is £3. Held under FRA rules Waterproof whole body cover, map and compass, whistle, emergency food required |
History
The original Laxey horseshoe fell race route which ascended the peaks of Slieu Ouyr, Snaefell, Mullagh Ouyr and Cronk-y-Vaare was devised by George Broderick. The first race in 1975 was won by Dave Newton in 1-30-13.
British fell running champion Mike Short won the 1976 race in an excellent 1-19-54. 1977 saw the first lady finisher Irene Corlett in 2-11-46 and Dave Newton improved the local record to 2-25-37.
In 1978 the course was lengthened by 2 miles to 12.5 miles by including Clagh Ouyr and Cronk Gerjoil-y-Chiarn and excluding Cronk-y-Vaare. Steve Kelly won in 1-45-33 and Irene Corlett was first lady in 2-37-33. Steve Kelly won in 1979 and Margaret Lockley was the first lady improving the ladies record to 2-28-30.
In 1980 Steve Kelly won improving the record to 1-43-24.
Chris Quine won in 1982 improving the record to 1-43-07. In 1983 regular visitor Martin Hudson repeated his 1981 win.
In 1985 Steph Quirk was first lady improving the ladies record to 2-25-23 and Steve Kelly won for a fourth time a record which still stands. Chris Quine won for a second time in 1986 and Allan Gage won the next two years.
In 1989 British fell running champion Colin Donnelly demolished the course record by 13 minutes in 1-29-43 and John Quine improved the local record to 1-42-56. Steve Hull won in 1991 improving the local record by 1 second
Another regular visitor Peter Buttery won in 1992 and Karen Rushton improved the ladies record by 2 seconds.
Steve Partington won in1993 and was first local finisher in 1995.
Tony Rowley scored wins in 1994 and 1996. Brenda Walker improved the ladies record to 1-58-55 in 1996 and improved it to 1-55-24 in 1997.
Tony Rowley scored his third win in 1999 and Tony Okell won in 2000.
In 2002 a new 8.5 mile course called the Laxey fell race over the peaks of Cronk Gerjoil-y-Chiarn, Mullagh Ouyr and Cronk-y-Vaare was devised by Richie Stevenson. Tony Okell won in 1-15-41 and Cal Partington was first lady in 1-32-14.
Lloyd Taggart improved the course record in 2003 to 1-05-08-and Cal Partington improved the ladies record in2004 to 1-26-12.
